What to check before you say yes to a home
Water, power, security and paperwork: a checklist for every viewing.
Paddy · 31 October 2026 · 6 min read
A home can look perfect in photos and still be hard to live in. Before you agree to anything or pay any money, take ten minutes at the viewing to check the things that matter every day.
Water
Ask where the water comes from and how often it flows. Is there a storage tank, a borehole or a polytank? Turn on a tap in the kitchen and the bathroom while you are there.
Power
Find out if the meter is prepaid or postpaid, and whether you share it with other tenants. A shared meter can lead to arguments about who used what. Ask if there is any backup when the lights go off.
Security
Is the compound walled or gated? Who has keys to the gate? Is there a gate man or night watch, and is that cost included in the rent?
Getting around
Walk from the home to the main road. How far is the nearest trotro or taxi stop? Try the trip at the time you would usually leave for work or school.
Neighbours and noise
Ask how many households share the compound. If you can, come back in the evening to hear what the street sounds like at night.
Paperwork
Get a written tenancy agreement that states the rent, the advance and what is included. Ask for a receipt for every payment, and never pay for a home you have not seen.